UK Muslims Top Charity Givers

A poll by a leading British charity website has found that Muslims top charity givers in the UK, compared with other faiths.

“Our data shows many of Britain’s Muslim communities are at the forefront of digital giving, driving an increase in zakat donations,” Zarine Kharas, chief executive of JustGiving, told The Times.

According to the poll of 4,000, carried out in conjunction with the JustGiving website, Muslims give more to charity than other religious groups.

The poll, announced by The Times on Saturday, found that Muslims who donated to charity last year gave an average of almost £371 each.

The number was compared to an average £270 per person for Jewish donors.

Roman Catholics averaged just over £178, Christians just under £178 and Protestants £202.

The poll also found that nearly four in 10 atheists did not donate at all, compared to three in ten Muslims, Catholics and other Christians, nearly three in ten Protestants and more than four in ten Jewish people.

JustGiving said a growing number of Muslims were making their charitable donations online.

Muslim donations were directed most to religious charities such as Muslim Aid and Islamic Relief.

But many donations also went to the likes of Cancer Research, Macmillan and the British Heart Foundation.

“It highlights the true spirit and reality of Islam in Britain, in caring not just for the community but also humanity at large and supporting national causes," Farooq Murad, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, said.

Britain is home to a Muslim community of nearly 2.7 million.

According to Islamic Shari`ah, a capable Muslim pays 2.5 percent mandatory payment and spend it to help the poor and the needy.

After the holy fasting month of Ramadan, Muslims also give Zakat Al-Fitr, the third pillar of Islam, that is obligatory upon every (capable) Muslim.

The Zakat should be given during the holy fasting month of Ramadan any time but before the `Eid prayer.